Generation of magnetic skyrmions in two-dimensional magnets via interfacial proximity

Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic van der Waals materials provide a fertile platform for the design and control of topological spin textures such as skyrmions. However, despite studies reporting skyrmions in many 2D magnetic systems, the hosting van der Waals materials are still limited. Here, via first-principles calculations and Monte Carlo simulations, we propose a series of 2D magnetic heterostructures as a different materials' family hosting skyrmions. Unlike previously studied van der Waals heterostructures, a strong interface coupling generates here a significant inversion symmetry breaking, which then results in an inherently large Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI). Furthermore, upon applying a moderate magnetic field, isolated skyrmions and skyrmions lattices emerge in various types of these heterostructures, and are robust within a relatively wide temperature range. Our work thus suggests a general method to induce DMI and paves the way toward topological magnetism in 2D materials through interfacial engineering.